ČĖĘŽĀŅĀ× Design Studentsā Work Displayed at Library of Hattiesburg, Petal & Forrest County
Thu, 10/06/2022 - 11:09am | By: Van Arnold
An extensive, collaborative project involving graphic design students at The University
of Southern Mississippi (ČĖĘŽĀŅĀ×) and the Library of Hattiesburg Petal & Forrest County
has culminated with several studentsā work being displayed.
The students comprise a sophomore/junior-level course taught by ČĖĘŽĀŅĀ× Assistant Professor of Design Linh Nguyen. The project called for them to design teaching materials to help educate the community, visitors, and other guests about the renowned career of Will Eisner, considered to be the father of graphic novel work.
A Mississippi Humanities Council Grant secured by the library helped pave the way for a six-week-long Graphic Novel Celebration event (Sept. 12-Oct. 22) showcasing Eisnerās career. Nguyen points out that the students were tasked to develop, design, and create a Special Event Collateral Campaign, featuring two essential components: design an Informational Poster and a 12-page Educational Booklet in a comic book format.
Judges for the project chose five primary winners whose poster and booklet designs are on display. Those include:
Mackenzie Masters, of Laurel, Miss., (for Eisnerās work in the military)
Elizabeth McPhail, of Jayess, Miss., (for Eisnerās work, āA Contract to Godā)
Jeremy Thompson, of Sumrall, Miss., (for Eisnerās work, āThe Spiritā
Grace May, of Puckett, Miss., (for Eisnerās later work)
Karson Gunn (for Eisnerās early works)
Nguyen noted that the libraryās original plan called for the display of just five designs. However, due to the quality of the studentās efforts, five others were also selected. Those included:
Autumn Webb, of Gulfport, Miss.
Ben Brunetz, of Madison, Miss.
Faith Pearce, Magee, Miss.
Willie Cooks, of Hattiesburg, Miss.
Josie Russell, of Magee, Miss.
Cherise Mann, DāIberville, Miss.
āIt was a pleasure working with these students over the summer,ā said Nguyen. āThey took what they learned from the Graphic Design Service-Learning course and implemented the lessons outside of class. They not only show dedication and drive for getting the job done and done well, but they also showed their civic duty to their community and embraced using graphic design for social good.ā
Nguyen continued: āIt didnāt matter what it took, they were there to complete the project and to help their community. This is the type of work ethic, drive, and dedication that will make these students successful when they graduate from Southern Miss.ā
The Art & Design and Graphic Design programs are housed within the School of Performing and Visual ČĖĘŽĀŅĀ× at ČĖĘŽĀŅĀ×. To learn more, call 601.266.4161 or visit: /performing-visual-arts/